This episode dives into one of the most pressing issues in healthcare today: the "Practice-Readiness Gap." While nursing school prepares students to pass the NCLEX, does it truly prepare them for the realities of the hospital floor?

We are "breaking the wall" between academia and clinical practice. Our guests discuss the disconnect that leads to new-grad burnout just six months into the job and explore why the traditional 1:1 student-to-patient clinical model might be doing more harm than good. From the impact of Magnet status on hiring to the "secret weapon" of having worked as a nursing assistant, we examine what it actually takes to transition from a student to a high-performing RN.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The NCLEX vs. The Bedside: Why preparing for a high-stakes exam often comes at the cost of clinical reality.
• The Reality Shock: Understanding why new grads are leaving the profession and how "practice readiness" can prevent early-career burnout.
• Post-Pandemic Challenges: How the decrease in clinical hours since COVID-19 has reshaped nursing education.
• Solutions for the Future: Strategic shifts like engaging bedside nurses as faculty, moving from 12-hour to 8-hour precepting shifts, and aligning curricula with the new AACN Essentials.

Whether you are a nursing student, a clinical instructor, or a hospital administrator, this episode is a roadmap for how we can think differently about training to ensure the next generation of the "Hive" is built to last.

Take the Next Step in Your Career

Earn While You Learn: We know how valuable your time is. That’s why select episodes of Hive Nurse | Inside the Hive are eligible for Continuing Education (CE) credits. Enhance your practice and stay compliant with your board requirements simply by listening to our expert interviews and completing a brief post-episode evaluation. Look for the "CE Eligible" tag in the episode titles to start earning credits today.

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Production Credits:

• Hosts/Executive Producers: Elizabeth Walters Miller, Ashley Kellish
• Audio Engineering & Sound Design: An...